April 22, 2026: BorNEO HackWknd recently conducted a strategic engagement visit to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia to strengthen regional collaboration, discuss Indonesia’s participation in the upcoming BorNEO HackWknd 2026 Grand Finals, and explore opportunities for future partnerships in innovation and youth development across ASEAN.
The meeting with Consul General Dr. Abdullah Zulkifli reflects the initiative’s commitment to building a sustainable ASEAN-centred innovation ecosystem through technology, collaboration, and cross-border engagement.
Led by Avinaash Loganathan, Managing Director of BorNEO HackWknd, the session outlined the vision, structure, and long-term goals of the future initiative.
As the founder of BorNEO HackWknd, Avinaash has played a key role in establishing the platform by building regional partnerships, engaging ASEAN stakeholders, and driving initiatives that empower youth through technology, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.
His vision for BorNEO HackWknd focuses on creating a sustainable ASEAN-centered innovation ecosystem that supports young innovators beyond the hackathon experience.
Also present was Associate Professor Dr. Sarah Flora Anak Samson Juan, serving as an advisor to the initiative, providing collaborative ideas and strategic support throughout the discussion.
BorNEO HackWknd 2026 Grand Finals scheduled to take place on May 9th–10th, 2026, at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), the hackathon has attracted participants from 10 ASEAN countries.
Indonesia has shown strong participation, with 20 registered teams, of which three teams have been selected as finalists.
These teams will be travelling to UNIMAS to compete in the final phase, a 24-hour non-stop hacking challenge supported by mentorship, technical guidance, and comprehensive on-site arrangements.
During the session, Avinaash emphasized that BorNEO HackWknd is not merely a competition, but a platform aimed at building a sustainable innovation ecosystem.
Moving forward, the initiative aims to focus on strengthening regional collaboration, expanding innovation-driven partnerships, and establishing incubation opportunities for promising projects beyond the hackathon.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of involving experts, mentors, and institutions from Indonesia and across ASEAN to contribute knowledge-sharing, industry insights, and technical expertise to future editions of the programme.
These efforts align closely with regional priorities such as the ASEAN Vision 2045 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Importantly, the program is officially supported by the ASEAN Foundation, reinforcing its alignment with ASEAN’s development agenda and ensuring that the hackathon contributes meaningfully to regional priorities.
Dr. Abdullah Zulkifli commended the initiative’s focus on youth empowerment, regional collaboration, and strategic alignment with ASEAN priorities.
He highlighted the importance of ASEAN Vision 2045 in shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and forward-looking ASEAN community, particularly through initiatives that empower youth and strengthen regional connectivity.
The discussion also explored the importance of future collaborations between educational institutions, innovation ecosystems, and regional stakeholders in supporting long-term development across ASEAN.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing mutual interest in strengthening collaboration and maintaining ongoing communication.
This engagement marks a significant step in expanding BorNEO HackWknd’s regional presence and reinforcing its role as a platform for innovation, partnership, and youth development across ASEAN.
#mdpti